Onlay Restorations

An onlay restoration is a custom made filling made of composite material, gold, or tooth-colored porcelain. An onlay is sometimes also referred to as a partial crown. It is made by a professional dental laboratory and is permanently cemented onto the tooth by your dentist.

Onlays can be utilized to conservatively repair teeth that have large defective fillings or have been damaged by decay or trauma. Onlays are an ideal alternative to crowns (caps) because less tooth structure is removed in the preparation of onlays. Onlays are essentially identical to inlays with the exception that one or more of the chewing cusps have also been affected and need to be included in the restoration.

As with most dental restorations, onlays are not always permanent and may someday require replacement. They are highly durable and will last many years, giving you a beautiful long lasting smile.

Reasons for onlay restorations:

Broken or fractured teeth.

Cosmetic enhancement.

Decayed teeth.

Fractured fillings.

Large fillings.

What does getting an onlay involve?

An onlay procedure usually requires two appointments. Your first appointment will include taking several highly accurate impressions (molds) that will be used to create your custom onlay and a temporary restoration.

While the tooth is numb, the dentist will remove any decay and/or old filling materials. The space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared, shaping the surface to properly fit an onlay restoration. A temporary filling will be applied to protect the tooth while your onlay is made by a dental laboratory.

At your second appointment, your new onlay will be carefully and precisely cemented into place. A few adjustments may be necessary to ensure a proper fit and that your bite is comfortable.

You will receive care instruction at the conclusion of your treatment. Good oral hygiene practices, a proper diet, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new onlay.

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My experience with Woodside Dental has been fairly pleasant. My hygienist (Rosy) is awesome! She is patient, gentle, and friendly. I will not let anyone else clean my teeth! The doctors that I have encountered have been supportive and genuine. They have done their very best to make me comfortable in a stressful situation. They seem to be genuinely concerned with my comfort. The office staff is always polite and cheerful. It is hard to believe that they ever have a bad day. The Office Manger (Sunny) has been very helpful when I need it. She does her best to make everyone who walks through the door feel welcome and she is very supportive of her staff.

- Janet B.

Woodside Dental is a lifesaver! I got an appointment right away (I was losing my insurance benefits.) The doctor was very thorough, took her time to explain what I needed, and discussed all of my options. The staff was kind and went over the details of my insurance coverage. And, I got in to get all of my treatment done prior to losing my insurance benefits! Even though I no longer have insurance, I will never leave this office.